FLASH UPDATE #2 – Tropical Cyclone EWINIAR (AGHON)
Country under monitoring: Philippines
OVERVIEW: Tropical Depression AGHON has intensified into a Typhoon with international name EWINIAR, and equivalent to Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale (PAGASA, DMRS). According to PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 27, the center of the eye of Typhoon EWINIAR was estimated based at 155 km East of Casiguran, Aurora (16.3°N, 123.6°E).
MOVEMENT & INTENSITY: According to PAGASA, EWINIAR is moving east northeastward at 10 km/h, with maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near the centre, gustiness of up to 170 km/h, and central pressure of 965 hPa, with strong typhoon-force winds extending outwards up to 250 km from the centre.
FORECAST:
Track – EWINIAR is forecast to move generally northeastward over the Philippine Sea for the entirety of the forecast period. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on the afternoon or evening of 29 May as a typhoon.
Intensity – According to PAGASA, EWINIAR will continue to intensify over the next 24 to 36 hours as it moves northeastward over the Philippine Sea. A weakening trend may begin on mid or late 29 May as the typhoon begins interacting with the mid-latitude environment and undergo post-tropical transition.
TCWS: As of 1600H UTC+7, at most TCWS no. 1 – Wind threat Strong Winds (minimal to minor threat to life and property) is raised over Quirino, Nueva, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon including Polillo Islands, and Camarines Norte.
IMPACTS:
As of NDRRMC report on 27 May at 0700 HRS UTC+7, the following impacts have been recorded:
- 19.3K persons/8.5K families affected in in 4 regions, 13 provinces, and 44 cities/municipalities
- 5.3K displaced individuals; 81 evacuation centres have been activated
- 7 injuries (for validation)
- 22 damaged houses (18 partially, 4 totally)
- 7 road sections, 1 bridge, 57 seaports, and 3 airports affected
- 52 cities/municipalities with interrupted power supply; 4 with interrupted communication lines
HAZARDS:
Heavy Rainfall – According to PAGASA, Typhoon EWINIAR is now less likely to directly bring significant amount of rainfall within the next three days. The Southwesterly Windflow enhanced by this typhoon will bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas and portions of MIMAROPA in the next two days.
Severe winds – Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds (i.e., strong breeze to near gale strength) are possible within any of the areas where TCWS No.1 is currently in effect.
PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE:
- As of this reporting period, NDRRMC-OCD is on ALERT Status RED due to Typhoon EWINIAR.
- NDRRMC continues to monitor the situation, disseminate advisories, and coordinate with OCDROs and NDRRMC Member-Agencies.
- The NDRRMC-OCD and relevant authorities has ready standby funds and prepositioned relief stockpiles, emergency telecommunications equipment, and transportation assets.
- Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams, debris clearing operations units, uniformed personnel, and emergency response manpower have been mobilised and on standby for emergencies.
- PAGASA continues to monitor the weather situation and provide weather updates to all stakeholders.
The AHA Centre will continue to monitor for further developments and issue necessary updates.
DATA SOURCES
ASEAN Disaster Monitoring & Response System (DMRS), ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADINet); Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global);
Philippines: NDRRMC-OCD, PAGASA;
Verified news media agencies.
